As early as 1365, grapes have been grown on the property now known as Smith-Haut-Lafitte. Originally owned by the noble Bosq family, the estate was purchased in the 18th century by Scotsman George Smith. Its present name was taken from Smith and the Pessac region’s gravel plateau known as Lafitte.

In 1842, Mr. Duffour-Dubergier, mayor of Bordeaux and an enthusiastic winegrower, inherited Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte from his mother and brought the wine up to great growth status. The property changed hands again in 1958 when it was purchased by the Louis Eschenauer Company. After the Eschenaueur period came to an end, a great deal of money has been invested in the estate, particularly on the construction of a superb underground cellar holding over 1,000 barrels.

In 1990, Daniel Cathiard fell in love with the property and joined the list of prestigious owners, firmly intending to further enhance Smith-Haut-Lafitte's tradition of excellence. He combined the most modern winemaking techniques with age-old artisanal methods, including organic compost, small wooden vats, and lees-aging. Famous around the world for its wonderfully elegant red wine and the sophisticated bouquet of its white wine, Smith-Haut-Lafitte undoubtedly deserves the special care that is lavished on it.

The 2018 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte is a Bordeaux blend from the esteemed region of Pessac Leognan, Bordeaux, France. Produced by Smith-Haut-Lafitte, this wine is composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, with an alcohol content of 14.5%.

Reviewers praised its complexity and structure, often noting its connection to its more prestigious sibling, Smith Haut Lafitte. According to Jeff Leve of TheWineCellarInsider.com, the wine offers "Cigar box, cedar, tobacco leaf, flowers, blackberry, currants, licorice, vanilla, and dark cherry aromatics." Leve describes the palate as "round, soft, polished and fresh with good sweetness to the fruits, concentration, and a finish loaded with cocoa, cherries, licorice, spice, and espresso." He rated it 93 points, highlighting it as a "top vintage" that will age well for 12 years or more.

Jeb Dunnuck from jebdunnuck.com also commended the wine, giving it 91 points. He noted its "complex, nuanced style" featuring "darker currant fruits as well as notes of cedarwood, tobacco, and truffle." Dunnuck described it as having "medium-bodied richness, supple, elegant tannins, and outstanding length."

Decanter's review, which also awarded the wine 93 points, emphasized its "Beautiful depth, density and complexity, and a lovely spice, along with softer touches of floral aromatics." They noted the wine's ability to hold "juice and tension through the palate," likening it to its bigger sibling.

Antonio Galloni of Vinous rated the wine 93 points, highlighting its "terrific energy" and "good deal of Cabernet savoriness." Galloni suggested cellaring the wine for a few years to allow it to open up, noting its "somber intensity" and flavors of "black cherry, blackberry jam, cloves, licorice, and chocolate."

James Suckling awarded the wine 92 points, appreciating its "Aromas of blackberries, blueberries, and fresh herbs," and noting its "full body with lots of ripe fruit and a long, flavorful finish."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also gave the wine 91 points, commenting on its "medium to deep garnet-purple color" and "expressive notions of crushed black plums, fresh blackberries, and mulberries with wafts of dark chocolate, cinnamon stick, and unsmoked cigars."

Lastly, Wine Spectator rated it 92 points, describing it as "Ripe and inviting, with waves of crushed plum, blackberry, and black currant fruit," and recommended enjoying it best from 2023 through 2033.

In summary, the 2018 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte is a well-structured, complex Bordeaux blend that has garnered high praise for its depth, nuanced flavors, and aging potential.